In order for a dance recital to come off perfectly, several ingredients need to be mixed just right. Those who will be performing need to have a desire and passion for learning. The instructor will need to have a love and patience for teaching, and the costumes of the performance need to be appropriate for the theme as well as fashion forward.

Here is all you need to know about being fashion savvy for dance recitals through the eyes of a dance instructor.

During my second year of college, I began teaching ballet lessons at a local dance studio. As long as I can remember, ballet and dance had been a part of my life. When it became clear that I needed to be doing something part time in order to make some money while in school, it seemed like the perfect fit.

My first group of students

The group of girls that were in my first class were second year students. They knew the basic fundamentals and a few different techniques, but I was excited at how much I was going to be able to teach them. Looking back, I can say that once I began instructing was when my passion for ballet began to fully develop.

The lead instructor and owner of the studio gave me full range over the class and our performance at the recital. I guess she wanted to see what I would be able to do. I was to pick the musical pieces for the performance, the style of dance we would perform, even the costumes the girls would be wearing was my choice, as long as they were within the budget.

Believe it or not, I must admit the freedom to choose the costumes was the most appealing yet the most terrifying of them all. I knew how important choosing the right outfit has become in the overall impact of any type of performance. I knew that the right fashion statement behind the performance would take the girls to a higher level.

I spent two weeks going over everything from dance pant styles that were available and researched the designs by Narcisco Rodriguez, Isabel Toledo and Calvin Klein’s Francisco Costa who create costumes for specific ballets to get inspiration. I thought carefully about the colors of leotards, even accessories the girls could wear in their hair for the big performance.

Thousands of ideas came to mind, however, there was a budget I had to take into consideration as well. The help of a friend who works in a fabric store came in the perfect time. She helped me combine the traditional tutu with styles, materials and forms I envisioned.

I couldn’t believe how excited the girls were to learn the dance and wear my design. Some of them even begged me to keep the costumes.

The feeling of being appreciated

Once the recital was finished is when I started to breathe normally again. The girls were exceptional and the comments from parents and other fellow instructors were how big of an impact the costumes I had designed made on the overall impression of the dance. I even got advised to major in design which I’m seriously considering.

I am happy the designs turned out great. What are your thoughts on this post? Have you ever had a dance class?

Highly-valued for their utility and status-conferring ability, fur coats always seem to be in style. It makes sense, however, when you think about how animals in nature put them to good use. From fall to winter, furs dominate, and the demand is so high you’ll often see fur accessories during the warmer months.

According to the experts from a popular furrier company, Rosendorfevansfurs.com, “The furrier should be able to give you detailed information about where the fur originated and where the coat was manufactured.” And they’ve been offering fine fur selections for over a hundred years!

Here, we’ll take a look at some of the animals that are most prized for their fur – and why.

The Prized Fur of the Mink

Although indigenous to the North American continent, the mink is now being bred in other locations because of its prized fur. First of all, the fur is naturally short, so provides an almost unparalleled sheen. Additionally, mink fur is quite warm because of its density. It’s worth it to note that there are other furs which are much warmer; but with mink, you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for warmth. Besides, some of those other furs shed hair and make for a relatively messy evening out in the cold unless they’re made especially well.

Fox Fur

Fox is a fur industry favourite, and its appeal has withstood the passage of time rather well. You can find this type of fur on almost every continent, in places as varied as North America, Russia, Australia, Scandinavia, and South America. Its hallmark is a lush undercoat that provides the kind of warmth you’d expect from an animal that braves the Siberian tundra and the trenchant cold of the Scandinavian steppes. The fox has long hairs, and comes in a range of natural colors; the reddish-brown combination is a seasonal standout.

The Siberian black fox, in particular, fetches some of the highest fur prices in the world because of its prime attributes. It has the ability to keep the wearer very warm without adding a lot of weight.

Sable Fur: Sparing No Expense

Don’t even think about sable fur unless you’re a banker or married to one! Easily one of the most expensive brands; the first Russian fur traders actually referred to it as “the golden fleece.” Deriving from the Siberian sable mammal, the fur itself is simply a wonder to behold because of its virtually matchless qualities:

Very, very lightweight

Glides on the skin like satin

Dense and durable

Lustrous and sparkling

One of the warmest furs available despite being almost weightless

It’s no surprise that sable fur is still called “soft gold,” because the prices that the pelts can fetch are comparable to the precious metal itself.

Caribou Fur for Extreme Cold

If you can get a parka comprised of caribou fur, then you’ll never know what it’s like to be cold again. One look at the hooded wear of Inuits and Eskimos should tell you all you need to know about the caribou’s heat-preservation abilities. The hollow hairs are also hydrophobic: they repel water so that you don’t get wet. Observe how caribou in their natural habitat cross rivers and emerge looking almost dry.

There are many types of fur coats, given the popularity of the industry (which has seen its ups-and-downs over the years). As utilitarian as they are fashionable, fur is nature’s raincoat and provider of warmth. Peruse the list of furs and their attributes when you’re in the market for one, and you won’t be disappointed with the result.

The lovely Kristen Dunst is the cover girl for Marie Claire July 2017. I am a huge fan of this cover. I think it is so summery, perfect for the season, and Kristen Dunst looks amazing on it. I love her hair and makeup, her outfit looks great, I think the styling is just perfect. Do you agree?

I have not seen or heard much about Kristen Dunst since Spider Man, so I was interested to pick this issue up. I have been glued to it for the past few days now, and it has been a fab read. Dunst talks about everything, from Instagram to having babies, no topics are off limit in this interview with Marie Claire. Here are some quotes from the interview –

Her Fashion Sense

I definitely have a gross dress with holes in it that I would never wear in LA, but in Austin, [where her fiancé Jesse Plemons is based] no one cares… If I wasn’t an actress I’d dress like garbage every day. All my clothes would be rags.’

Lol.. I am not surprised she can’t really be bothered with fashion, but as long as you are a celebrity, fashion with the territory.

On Spider Man Homecoming Movie

We made the best ones, so who cares? I’m like, “You make it all you want.” They’re just milking that cow for money. It’s so obvious. You know what I mean?’

I am not a fan of the whole Spider Man thingy, but yes I do know what you mean.

Aside from her interview with Marie Claire, the other features in this issue are also very interesting to read. I am loving them.

What do you think of this Marie Claire cover? Are you reading it? Are you a fan of Kristen Dunst? Please sound off in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading.

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Thanks for visiting Fashion and Style Police. My name is Stella, a 30 something year old from Cheshire.I am the author of 'How To Cash In as a Blogger', Freelance Writer and Social Media Manager, Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Blogger. I also manage Blogger Outreach campaigns for various clients. I hope you enjoy reading my posts as much as I enjoy writing them.
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